The championship for racing on yachts, rowing and motor boats is called "regatta". The meaning of the word is borrowed from Italian regata (competition), the root is riga (row, line). The term jacht (chase) was used by the Dutch, already in the old days their high-speed boats chased pirates.
Competition in the background of fun
Today, competitions are part of corporate media. Their distinctive feature is a beautiful sight, detailing stylish in color and design. Network access is regularly posted reports of events of the world competition. The regatta, the photo of which conveys the spirit and significance of friendly starts (award ceremonies, gala concerts, fireworks), is very popular. The benchmark for yachtsmen is the oldest Coves race (between the south coast of England and the Isle of Wight in the The Solent Strait), Antigua Week (Caribbean Islands), Sydney Hobart (Tasman Sea). Such events are an excellent platform for creating a network for the development of sailing.
Why sailing?
Regardless of the location of the water area, the sailing community is distinguished by friendliness and hospitality. Here we are always happy to help feel the pride of achievement. Yachting training is an invaluable experience; an athlete gains it in the silence of open waters, with wind and waves. Regatta is a sport in which endurance, skills, and abilities are of great importance. Ready to anchor and sail now? Learn more about water racing.
Skill level
Sailing captivates both amateurs and professionals. Pros take part in regattas of different plan: for short distances, transoceanic, around the world. The participants' vessels are impressive with high technology and high-speed qualities.
Beginning sailors understand the real prospect. World-class competitions and interviews with famous yachtsmen inspire their own exploits. Yacht clubs give such an opportunity, they start here in home waters. When the familiar water area becomes small, the sea opens up - international competitions. The next step may be a serious round-the-world race. All amateur regattas are accompanied by mentors.
Types of sailing
Starts take place in formal conditions, where general rules, schedules, procedures are adopted. In competitions, a regatta is classified into three formats:
- The flotilla is a universal regatta, competitions are held for individual subgroups according to the rule, each for itself.
- Team race - the format is distinguished by special tactics and sports intrigue. The composition may include 2, 3 and 4 yachts.
- Match racing, or relay race for a short distance between two identical in design yachts. In a complex technical form, pros-sailors with not weak dynamics of thinking participate. Passion in the confrontation between crews, skillful handling of the ship and tactics make the competition spectacular. The meaning of the Italian word riga and the Dutch term jacht together reflect the meaning of the form: race in a straight line.
Flotilla groups
The fleet is divided into two categories: mixed and monotypic. The latter is easy to judge and organize. The crew with a high level of training is the first to come to the finish line. Often the form of this regatta is found at short and Olympic distances.
In a mixed race to cross the finish line does not mean to win. For competitions, participants are divided into divisions with similar technical characteristics. Also, to balance the odds, handicap or handicap refereeing is used. Champion is determined by the rating system. At the end of the distance, the index of the yacht, its handicap, power are calculated.
Regatta is a race with many nominations, therefore sailors and amateurs have a special interest in it.
Sailing regatta: crew
A single crew often goes to the open ocean and circumnavigation. This is a technically complex view, since the work of several people is performed by one sailor. Domestic worries are not excluded, as there is no time for loners to rest. Using autopilot, you can provide yourself with a half-hour sleep. During competitions, strict adherence to safety rules is necessary. Participants are extremely careful, they use insurance in their work, especially in bad weather. Far regatta is a difficult experience for any pro.
Competitions paired crews take place in the open waters of the ocean. The duration of the swim is calculated in months, so psychological endurance is especially important. Safety measures are the same as in solitary form. Professional skippers also participate here.
The full-crew regatta starts at different distances. The number of sailors depends on the design of the yacht. On board, sometimes 8 to 30 people gather.
Distance: race up to 1000 km
A short-distance regatta takes place in bays and port harbors. In time, the competition takes several hours. Spectators are especially keen on racing, because everything is visible in detail, which is not possible in other forms.
The route is classic: on the waterway obstacles in the form of loops and triangles are overcome, their signs are buoys. The competition is tactical, any miss at the beginning of the race is reflected in the result. The length of the route varies from several cable to several kilometers (1 cable is 185.2 meters).
Ship of various designs take part, here you can see catamarans and yachts with a skyl. Boats of decent dimensions for passage allocate more time.
Competitions in the home, in the zone of visibility from the coast are called coastal regatta. Sailors cover a distance of 30 to 350 km. Usually this is a six-hour race along a circular route: where the start is, there is the finish.
Long voyage
Regatta is a symbol of friendly competition. Yachtsmen, risking their lives, set sail across the ocean, they are driven by the expansion and passion of conquering the vast abyss.
- Transoceanic . Despite equipping racing yachts with modern materials and technologies, the course in the ocean does not become easier. Weather in the vast waters is the dominant feature of competition. Sometimes a welcome helper is always a pest. To pass a technically difficult distance (from 1300 to 3000 km) can be experienced sailor on a high-level vessel. The route runs through the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. The ocean regatta is a competition for the brave, honor and glory await those who overcome it.
- Around the world . Skippers take months to cover 40,000 kilometers. Competition rules prohibit lingering in port cities for a long time. Following strict regulations, sailors spend most of their time in open waters. Around the world regatta is the pinnacle of mastery in yachting. At the end of the route, brave heroes become masters of the highest category.
- Offshore . Regatta feature - track, it lies out of sight of the coast. The length ranges from 250 to 1600 km. The competition is based on a strategy that depends on the wind, so sailors choose the best course in any performance. The possibility of self-expression does not fall out at coastal starts and in the harbor.
Sailing is developing annually, social events are held wherever there is water area. Regatta on yachts every time gives something new, exciting. She challenges everyone who is ready to play with her on the water field.